POLICING has changed considerably since Ted Edgar joined Durham Constabulary as a police cadet in 1974.

He became a constable in the Wear Valley area two years later and remembers how new recruits were still issued with capes to protect them from the elements while out and about in the community.

Now, having already hung up his handcuffs once, the 58-year-old is retiring for a second time – but this time it’s for good.

Mr Edgar, of Sunnybrow, near Crook, County Durham, said: “It was a different life when I started out, a different generation and a completely different era.

“We did not have computers in those days, it was very much a different world.

“The development of mobile phone and improvements in communication have changed the policing role dramatically.

“In 1974 you would go out and have a radio and a sergeant who would meet you at certain points on the shift. The speed of information coming to you was very different. You could use an old telephone box but your protection was a truncheon, an old set of handcuffs and a whistle.”

During his career he has worked on criminal investigations, been seconded to the Home Office, worked in forensic science, child protection, the drugs squad and in CID

Mr Edgar rose through the ranks and became a Detective Chief Inspector before retiring as a police officer in 2007, and taking on a civilian role as Scientific Support Manager.

He is married to Julie, his wife of 24 years and has two sons and two grandchildren.

Mr Edgar said: “At the front line policing will always be policing. Incidents like youth causing annoyance, public complaints, drunkenness and property crimes have gone on time immemorial.

“There has been a reduction in vehicle crime as they created greater security. The biggest changes are things around information technology like cyber crime and cyber bullying. The word cyber was only ever heard in Dr Who.”

He now plans to spend time with family and enjoy his hobbies, including fly-fishing, hill walking and photography.

Mr Edgar said: “It will be sad to leave, but I am at a point in my career where it is the right time for me.”